Minister Kamal calls the approval an important milestone in the strengthening of Pakistan’s health system
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. Photo: X
Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal announced on Wednesday that the federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s first-ever National Vaccine Policy, paving the way for local vaccine production in the country.
The approval was given during a meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister termed the development as an important milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system. Noting that the country had until now lacked a comprehensive national policy on vaccines, he added that the recently approved framework was developed through extensive consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a robust and sustainable approach.
Kamal highlighted the role of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Health Minister Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in formulating the policy.
He emphasized that establishment of local vaccine production capacity had become crucial for the country and described the initiative as a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the health sector.
The federal cabinet also approved the formation of a special committee under the supervision of DRAP to determine vaccine prices and ensure quality standards.
The policy aims to reduce dependence on imported vaccines, save foreign exchange and make Pakistan self-sufficient in vaccine production.
Pakistan, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, has delivered life-saving vaccines to 160 million children and 130 million mothers over the past five decades.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization’s vaccine chief, Kate O’Brien, said vaccines have saved 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, noting that more than 30 diseases are preventable through immunization.
